Cricut Design Studio Software - Terry Cowans - tcowans@yahoo.com
BASICS
- When you open the CDS software you will notice the screen layout -- cartridge library, keypad overlay, shape properties
- The buttons are quick actions for New Page, Paste, Delete, Preview, and Cut
- Handles on the image include Shape Move, Vertical Size, Slant, Horizontal Move, Horizontal Size, Rotate, Vertical Size, and Scale
- Use the "Features" menu option to select all the possibilities for the layout -- base, shift, circle, tag, shadow, blackout, etc. (different for each cartridge)
- The software is controlling the cricut -- anything selected or highlighted on the Cricut is ignored, including the placement of the blade
- Turn on the ruler tick marks under View, Show Ruler -- handy for positioning cutouts exactly where you want them cut
- The arrow keys will move the cursor on the mat, but remember you can always move the item where you want it
CARTRIDGES
- Design with all the cartridges, but can only cut with the cartridges that you have
- Can cut with more than one cartridge in your design
- A jukebox is handy for connecting six cartridges to use at the same time (also handy for storage of overlay, book, and cartridge)
- Under the library of cartridges, you can search by keywords (press the drop-down arrow to see the available list)
- To add your own keywords, right click on the overlay item and you can enter a reminder keyword for the shape
- Also under the library, you can mark your cartridges; and your favorite cartridges
- If you can't remember which cartridge you used, select the image, right-click and choose "Show Cartridge"
WELDING
- Welding is the process of connecting the letters so they cut as one piece
- To nudge the letters at the same time, type in the entire word, then apply "-0.1" kerning
- To nudge the letter separately, click on the letter, then use the nudge key
- Make sure each letter or shape has "welded" turned on
- Previewing welded items will show are bolded lines, otherwise they will be solid colors
- It's tricky to weld inside a shape, leave an opening in the outside shape
- Remember, you can weld more than letters and images, weld your favorite flower multiple times to make a bouquet for example
SOFTWARE
- You can save your work as a .cut file, and share with others
- Your .cut files are stored under My Documents/Cricut/Projects
- When opening the files, you can see the preview of the top mat (turn on view - thumbnails in your file manager)
- Save your work often, and remember you can save different versions
- Updating your software will get newer cartridges and any new features available (under Help, Check for Updates)
- Keep track of your serial number, you will need it each time you install and activate your software (see your CD label)
- While you can download the software for a free trial, you can only cut with a few select cartridges that come with the Cricut machines
FEATURES
- You can create layers by using the tabs (multiple mats), then cut with different colors of paper
- Previewing at Mat Background will let you line up shadows between the tabs, also right click on the mat and check the "include page in preview"
- You can rename the tabs, by right-mouse clicking anywhere on the mat and entering the new name in the box
- By pressing enter after each letter, you can move them separately
- By not pressing enter and typing in the entire word, you can use the nudge feature to move letters close
- To delete a tab, hit Ctrl-D or menu option View - Delete Page
- To move letters or words, press the ALT key to make the symbols go away
- Right now there is no way to break apart an image, we hope this comes out in a future version
- You can change the preview color by right-clicking the mat, then select "Set Preview Color"
- Multi-cut is not the number of images you want cut, it's the number of times the Cricut will recut an image (for cardboard, etc.)
- You can use your Jukebox with the CDS trial version and cut with any cartridge as long as you have the orig. Plantin or Accent cartridge loaded too! The trick is to use the Plantin or Accent shape first!
Copyright © 2010 Reddin' Up, Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
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